1858 Proof Cent Pattern - J-196

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Judd-196, this pattern cent combines the Large Letters Flying Eagle obverse with the laurel wreath reverse (Reverse D). The obverse carries the Flying Eagle design with the larger letter variety of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above and the date 1858 below. The reverse presents a graceful laurel wreath encircling ONE CENT, tied with ribbon at the base. Struck in copper-nickel with a plain edge, this piece belongs to the extensive series of 1858 pattern cents that explored different die combinations as the Mint sought a successor to the troublesome Flying Eagle design. The Large Letters obverse (Obverse 4) appears on Judd numbers 196 through 201 and J-218, each paired with different experimental reverses. The laurel wreath reverse would prove influential, ultimately being adopted for the 1859 Indian Head cent before being replaced by the oak wreath with shield in 1860. Approximately 50 twelve-piece pattern sets were assembled for sale to collectors, and individual pieces were restruck afterward.